NFL Preseason 2012: Power Ranking the NFL's Top 50 Rookies After Week 2

Even though we're only through two weeks of the NFL preseason, we've still seen plenty of impressive performances from this year's draft class.

It seems that each year we see more and more rookies making impacts early in their careers. Last year we saw numerous rookies—such as Cam Newton, A.J. Green and Von Miller—instantly establish themselves as premier players at their respective positions.

The 2012 rookie class appears to be filled with just as many talented players, if not more. Today we'll rank the NFL's top 50 rookies after two weeks of preseason action.

49. Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Atlanta Falcons

After giving several draft picks to the Cleveland Browns for the rights to Julio Jones last year, the Atlanta Falcons needed to find some gems in the later rounds to have a successful 2012 draft.

That gem appears to defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi, who has been stellar through two weeks of the preseason. He's taken full advantage of a rise in playing time due to Ray Edwards and John Abraham being limited.

48. Michael Brockers, DT, St. Louis Rams

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 4 Tackles

What Michael Brockers is going to do this season isn't always going to show up in in stat columns.

Brockers will continue to grow as a pass-rusher, but what he is already excelling at early in the preseason is eating up blockers. He's been stout at the point of attack against the run, opening up lanes for his linebackers.

If Brockers continues to play like this during the regular season, he should instantly improve the St. Louis Rams defense.

47. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 6 Tackles

Few rookies have been thrown into more difficult situations than Bobby Wagner has. The Seattle Seahawks lost an extremely productive player in David Hawthorne, and Wagner is the one expected to replace his production.

So far through two preseason games, it appears as if Wagner is up to that huge task. He's had six tackles in limited time and appears to already have a good grasp of the Seahawks defense.

Seattle already had one of the best young defenses in the league, and it now looks like the Seahawks will be even better with Wagner on the roster.

45. Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Yes, Michael Floyd only has two receptions in three games, but it is what he is doing without the ball in his hands that puts him on this list.

He's proven to be a very dependable blocker in the open field, an extremely underrated trait for wide receivers. We also can't forget that he hasn't had the best quarterback play, which will take away from his production.

Floyd is still learning how to be productive next to a player like Larry Fitzgerald, but you can at least see the willingness and desire to do what it takes to get better.

42. Coby Fleener, TE, Indianapolis Colts

Coby Fleener hasn't quite looked like an elite pass-catching tight end so far, but he has played solid football in a limited amount of playing time.

The advantage that Fleener has over many other rookies is that he is overly familiar with his quarterback, Andrew Luck. While we haven't seen how potent this relationship can ultimately become, we have seen flashes, and it will only get better.

41. Stephen Hill, WR, New York Jets

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Preseason Stats: 4 Receptions, 38 Yards

The most surprising part of Stephen Hill's play though the first two preseason games is that he hasn't been the deep threat that the New York Jets hoped he would be. Of course, it doesn't help when Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow are playing like middle-school quarterbacks.

There is no doubting that Hill has the talent and potential to be a great receiver in this league. However, if the quarterback play doesn't improve in New York, all that potential will be wasted.

40. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

While Fletcher Cox has yet to show the explosiveness that made his such a coveted pick in this year's draft, we definitely saw some improvement between his first and second preseason game.

Against the New England Patriots on Monday night, Cox looked more comfortable with taking on blockers and penetrating gaps. He's still not where Philadelphia hopes he will be, but he is making strides toward getting there.

Don't be surprised if Cox has a very impressive game next week against the Cleveland Browns.

39. Casey Hayward, CB, Green Bay Packers

Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 6 Tackles, 1 Pass Defended

With the loss of Nick Collins this offseason, the Green Bay Packers have a huge hole at safety. Their best option would be to move Charles Woodson to safety and find a replacement for Woodson at cornerback.

Through two weeks of the preseason, it looks as though moving Woodson could become reality thanks to the play of Hayward. The Packers traded up to draft Hayward, and he has certainly proved that he was worth the extra cost.

As long as Hayward can be a serviceable starter, which it appears he can, the Packers secondary should be much improved.

38. Rueben Randle, WR, New York Giants

Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 3 Receptions, 76 Yards, 1 Touchdown

It almost isn't fair how much talent the New York Giants have at wide receiver right now. Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are already two of the top receivers in the league, and now they've added to their receiving corps with rookie Rueben Randle.

He already looks ready to completely fill in for the departed Mario Manningham with his ability to stretch the field. Look for the Giants to boast one of the best passing attacks in the league, thanks to the quick development of Randle.

37. Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams

After his first preseason game, in which he only recorded one reception, it looked like Brian Quick was going to need a bit of time to get used to the professional game.

However, against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, Quick looked like a much better player.

Yes, he only had three receptions, but they were three quality receptions, and it appeared he and Sam Bradford were on the same page. The St. Louis Rams desperately need to add more weapons at the receiver position, and if Quick can continue to develop this quickly, they should have a pretty good one pretty quick.

36. Dontari Poe, NT, Kansas City Chiefs

John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 1 Tackle, 1 Pass Defended

Like many other nose tackles, what Dontari Poe has done on the field hasn't shown up statistically.

He was supposed to be an extremely raw player, and while there are certainly rough parts to his game, his elite athleticism and strength have certainly been on display this preseason. Poe has been able to take on blockers with ease and move them where he wants, allowing his teammates to make plays.

If Poe can improve on the finite details of playing his position effectively, the Kansas City Chiefs will have another talented young player to improve their already impressive defense.

33. Carmen Messina, LB, Detroit Lions

Carmen Messina has been one of the best stories of the offseason. This undrafted free agent out of the University of New Mexico has stolen the show in Detroit.

He notched seven tackles and a game-sealing interception against the Baltimore Ravens in his first preseason game. While he hasn't locked down a starting position, he has certainly made a name for himself and is almost certainly guaranteed a final roster spot heading into the regular season.

31. Nick Perry, LB, Green Bay Packers

There is still plenty of room for improvement in Nick Perry's game, but through two games we've definitely been able to see his unique abilities as a pass-rusher.

He still looks extremely lost when dropping into coverage and defending against the run, but that isn't what the Green Bay Packers coveted when they drafted him in the first round. They expect Perry to excel at getting after the quarterback, and through two weeks of the preseason, he's proven capable of doing that.

30. David DeCastro, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers

Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: N/A

While David DeCastro hasn't looked like the All-Pro player that many experts pegged him as entering the draft, he has definitely been a major improvement at offensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He still should be one of the best rookie offensive linemen in the league, but his play has been somewhat disappointing so far this preseason.

29. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins

It's true that Ryan Tannehill is still a raw prospect, but he is definitely more polished than many gave him credit for.

He looked exceptional in his first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He went through his progressions quickly and had little trouble finding open receivers.

While he struggled at the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers, he finally settled into a nice groove. He'll need a receiver to step up and be a quality option for him, but the Miami Dolphins have to be pleased with the progression that Tannehill has made through the preseason so far.

28. Bruce Irvin, LB, Seattle Seahawks

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Preseason Stats: N/A

Bruce Irvin has yet to record a tackle or a sack, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been impressive through the first two weeks of preseason football.

He's been consistently able to get pressure on quarterbacks with an explosive first step off the snap. The highlight of his preseason was a crushing hit on Peyton Manning, who has one of the quickest releases in the NFL.

Irvin will never be an every-down player in the NFL, but he is proving that he can be a very successful pass-rushing specialist early in his career.

27. David Wilson, RB, New York Giants

The New York Giants used their first-round pick on David Wilson, so they clearly expect him to contribute right away as a rookie.

Through two preseason games, it looks like Wilson will be more than capable of contributing in a big way this year. Despite being pegged mostly as a burner heading into the draft, Wilson has shown some toughness to his game so far.

He'll be a great complement to Ahmad Bradshaw and should be another great weapon for the potent offense of the New York Giants.

26. Cordy Glenn, OT, Buffalo Bills

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Preseason Stats: N/A

It was supposed to take Cordy Glenn time to transition from offensive guard to offensive tackle. However, he's made the transition appear simple and looks like a legitimate starting left tackle in the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills will need Glenn to play like a seasoned veteran if they want a legitimate shot at winning the AFC East.

25. Tyrone Crawford, DE, Dallas Cowboys

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 3 Tackles

It would be safe to say that Tyrone Crawford has exceeding every expectation set for him coming out of Boise State. Not only is he one of the most physical defensive rookies in the league, but he has also shown great explosiveness during the preseason.

He still needs to learn how to channel his energy to make impact plays on the field, but once he does that, he should be a very scary player in this league.

24. Whitney Mercilus, LB, Houston Texans

The Houston Texans were hoping that Whitney Mercilus would eventually replace Mario Williams' production, but I doubt they thought he'd do it so soon.

His first-ever preseason game was an absolute beauty, as he recorded 1.5 sacks against the Carolina Panthers. He showed a mature set of pass-rushing skills and the ability to get after the quarterback in a number of ways.

He may not be be Super Mario just yet, but the Texans must be thrilled with how Mercilus is playing in the preseason.

23. Mark Barron, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 1 Tackle, 1 Pass Defended

Mark Barron has only played in one preseason game, but the impact he made for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was huge in that one.

His play didn't show up in the statistics, but he showed that he is more than capable in coverage as well as being extremely tough and instinctive against the run. Barron will only get better and should be a front-runner for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

22. T.J. Graham, WR, Buffalo Bills

Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 5 Receptions, 106 Yards

Heading into training camp, it appeared as if T.J. Graham was going to need quite a bit of time to adjust to the NFL game. However, that no longer appears to be the case after two strong performances in the first two preseason games.

Graham's greatest asset is his speed, which was on display during a 64-yard reception against the Minnesota Vikings. He has also improved his route-running abilities and his understanding of the offense.

The Buffalo Bills need more playmakers at wide receiver and right now, it looks like Graham could fill that need.

21. Cole Beasley, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Cary Emondson-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 7 Receptions, 104 Yards

Those statistics for Cole Beasley are from only one game, his Week 2 matchup against the San Diego Chargers.

Beasley was a long shot to even make the roster for the Dallas Cowboys this year, but it would be safe to say that he's a near lock to be one of the final 53 right now. In fact, if he keeps up this type of play, there is no reason that he won't have an opportunity to contribute in the regular season.

This may be too soon to say, but Beasley is looking awfully similar to Victor Cruz at this point in his career.

20. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Forget all the off-field issues that are surrounding Justin Blackmon and focus on the fact that this kid can play football.

Even though he has missed the majority of training camp so far, Blackmon looked like a stud during his first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. His hands were solid, and he constantly made defenders miss tackles in the open field.

What's even better is that his presence raised Blaine Gabbert's game to a whole different level. I'm not saying that Gabbert to Blackmon is the next Montana to Rice, but both Jaguars looked extremely good in their Week 2 win over the Saints.

19. Omar Brown, S, Baltimore Ravens

Omar Brown hasn't secured a roster spot yet, but that is more of a testament to the depth on defense for the Baltimore Ravens than Brown's stellar play in the preseason.

His interception against the Atlanta Falcons was very impressive. While it is unlikely he'll see much playing time this year other than on special teams, Brown has still been one of the best rookies so far this preseason.

17. Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams

Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 5 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble

The fact that Janoris Jenkins dropped to the second round of the 2012 NFL draft looks completely ridiculous right now. In his first preseason game, Jenkins looked the part of a shutdown cornerback in this league.

He made plays all over the field with his physical play at the line of scrimmage and elite ability to stick with his man.

It's only a matter of time before Jenkins is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

16. Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While Doug Martin's statistics don't jump off the page at you, he has still been one of the better rookies this preseason.

It's clear through two preseason games that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to do whatever it takes to have Martin involved in the offense. They're going to hand him the ball as well as throw him the ball, and Martin has the versatility to excel as a runner and receiver.

It is only a matter of time before Martin is racking up yards on the ground and through the air for the Buccaneers during the regular season.

15. Kendall Reyes, DE, San Diego Chargers

Kendall Reyes was another player who dropped on draft day because teams weren't exactly sure where he fit in the NFL.

However, the San Diego Chargers took a chance on him, and it has paid off in a huge way.

Not only has Reyes looked very good against the run, but he's also shown the ability to get into opponents' backfields and make plays. His ability to line up at a few different positions will prove to be extremely valuable this year to the Chargers.

14. Andre Branch, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Andre Branch was drafted mainly for his potential, but he has already shown that he has much to offer to the Jacksonville Jaguars starting this year.

He's looked extremely natural through two preseason games against both the run and the pass. The Jaguars defense is one of the more underrated units in the league, and Branch should start and contribute immediately.

13. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

Few players were as scrutinized coming out of college as Alshon Jeffery was. If people weren't critical about his weight, they were critical about his ability to separate from defenders.

However, Jeffery has silenced every one of his critics by playing exception football in his first two preseason games.

Not only has Jeffery been able to separate, but he has been able to make big plays down the field as well. Against the Washington Redskins, Jeffery had a huge 34-yard reception that showed his big-play ability.

The Chicago Bears should have a great offense this year, and Jeffery will be a big reason why.

11. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 4 Tackles, 1 Interception

Despite being the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' third pick of the 2012 NFL draft, Lavonte David looks like the best rookie on the roster.

He is the definition of a playmaker, and his ability to drop into coverage as well as blitz the quarterback is what makes him such a valuable player. He should be a starting linebacker by the start of the regular season and ride his early preseason dominance to a successful rookie campaign.

8. Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 24-of-38, 361 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 1 Interception

The Philadelphia Eagles have to be feeling good about how Nick Foles has played through two preseason games. With Michael Vick almost guaranteed to miss some time with an injury this year, the Eagles desperately need a competent quarterback for when that happens.

Not only has Foles looked like a legitimate backup quarterback in the NFL, but he looks like he could be a legitimate starter in the league in a short amount of time. It will be interested to see what the Eagles do if Vick gets injured and Foles plays extremely well this year.

Could you imagine what would happen if Vick were on the trading block?

7. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 9-of-14, 119 Yards, 1 Touchdown; 4 Rushes, 17 Yards

Had we been ranking these rookies after only one preseason game, Robert Griffin III would have ranked much higher on this list. However, he struggled against the Chicago Bears and their superior defense in Week 2.

With that said, Griffin has still looked extremely impressive through his first two games. His athleticism has been on display at times, but it is clear that Griffin would rather make plays with his arm than his legs.

The Washington Redskins must be thrilled beyond belief that Griffin not only has lived up to expectations but is beginning to surpass them already.

6. Quinton Coples, DE, New York Jets

Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason Stats: 8 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 Pass Defended, 1 Forced Fumble

There haven't been too may bright spots on the New York Jets roster this preseason other than Quinton Coples. The rookie defensive end has been one of the most dominant players this preseason, rookie or not.

We already knew that he was an incredible athlete, but no one knew that he was this much of a freak of an athlete. He makes rushing the quarterback look simple and is capable of making plays in every facet of the game.

Coples already looks like the best player on the Jets roster after two preseason games. and while that is good for Coples, it is a bad sign for New York.

3. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

Yes, Kirk Cousins has had a better preseason than Robert Griffin III. Does that mean the Washington Redskins should start him? Absolutely not.

The best NFL teams need to have depth at the quarterback position because you simply never know what is going to happen week to week. With Cousins, the Redskins not only have security for Griffin, but also a valuable trade chip to get back some picks they lost to move up in this year's draft.

If Cousins continues to play at this high of a level, it won't be long before a team like the Arizona Cardinals is knocking on Washington's door.

2. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Why is Russell Wilson not the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks? Not only has he been extremely impressive through the first two weeks of preseason play, but Matt Flynn hasn't been very good at all.

Wilson is accurate, poised and already showing a great understanding of the quarterback position in the NFL. He's been able to make plays with both his arm and legs, and his height hasn't been an issue so far.

If Wilson has another outstanding preseason game in Week 3, I simply can't see how Seattle can keep him on the bench.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Is there really any surprise here as to who the best rookie is through two weeks of the preseason?

His statistics aren't overly impressive, especially the two interceptions on Sunday night, but they were also against the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-team defense. What is so great about that performance is that Luck didn't just give up after throwing a few bad passes. He got right back on that field and put his team in a position to score points.

Luck has exceeded his ultra-high expectations already, and he is only going to get better. This kid is going to be an absolute star, and the Indianapolis Colts couldn't be happier.